Treatment of localized juvenile periodontitis. Results after 5 years.

The present investigation was performed to study the effect on localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) of a treatment program which included tetracycline administration, surgical elimination of inflamed tissues, scaling and root planing, and careful plaque control during healing. Treatment of LJP lesions was carried out on 16 individuals aged 14 to 18 years (JP group). Lesions in first molars and incisors in a group of patients with adult periodontal disease (AP) were treated in an identical manner and served as controls. The presence of angular bony defects adjacent to first molars and incisors was first documented in all patients. Thereafter, a clinical examination was carried out, including assessments of oral hygiene status, gingival conditions, probing depths and attachment levels. The patients were subjected to a treatment program involving administration of tetracycline (250 mg 4 times per day for 2 weeks), removal of granulation tissue after flap elevation, and root curettage. After surgery, the patients were instructed to rinse the mouth with 0.2% chlorhexidine for 2 min twice a day during the first 2 postsurgical weeks. Professional tooth cleaning was carried out once every 3 months during a 5-year period. At 6, 12, 24 and 60 months after surgical treatment, the patients were re-examined regarding oral hygiene, gingival conditions, probing depths and attachment levels. Treatment of LJP lesions resulted in resolution of gingival inflammation, gain of clinical attachment, and refill of bone in angular bony defects. The healing of the lesions of this patient sample was similar to healing observed in patients with AP.